Birdwatching At Predator Ridge

Birdwatching, as a recreational and social activity, has become a popular hobby of many residents and members at Predator Ridge. We are home to a diverse culture of bird life and pride ourselves on preserving our 1,200+ acres of natural surroundings.

Better known as “birding,” homeowners near Birdie Lake, a popular photo op spot off hole 15 of the Ridge Course, are entertained daily by Red-winged Blackbirds, Trumpeter Swans, Canada Geese, Bald Eagles, Song Sparrows, and Western Screech Owls, to name a few. Here is a bit of Predator Ridge bird knowledge for you.

THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

Red-winged Blackbirds, the most abundant bird in the Okanagan, is known for its glossy, black body, with scarlet and yellow shoulder patches. You can always tell how this particular bird feels by its feathers being puffed up, or not, specifically the males. They do everything in their power to get noticed by sitting up on tall perches, and belting out their “conk-la-ree” song for as long as they can. These birds are mainly found on wet roadsides, fresh water ponds and golf courses during the summer months, which in their prime, is a perfect time to observe them.

TRUMPETER SWANS

Trumpeter Swans, a recovering species from mild extinction, have made a come back in North America. Not only are they fascinating with their pure white feathers, they are recognized by a resonant trumpeting “koo-hoo” call, which can be heard from over a mile away. Although elegant, and graceful in their presence, Trumpeter Swans are surprisingly staunch when it comes to defending their nesting territory. As a result, you won’t find numerous swams in one area, but would be charmed to find just one other, because when these birds find a mate, they mate for life. As it is quoted, “there’s a double beauty whenever a swan swims on a lake with her double thereon” – Thomas Hood.

CANADIAN GEESE

Canadian Geese, the most common type of bird up at Predator Ridge, is famous for its black head and neck, white chinstrap and flying “v-shaped” flock. The surest sign of changing seasons is just that. You won’t miss it with its “ahonk” or “hink” calls, during the summer months on Birdie Lake. You may also have the divine pleasure of watching the geese with their gosslings early in the season walking across the 15th green, or swimming across the pond. You may also find these birds landscaping away at Predator Ridge, as they eat for up to 12 hours a day, feeding on grasses, roots, leaves and other plant material.

BALD EAGLES

Bald Eagles, famous for their white head and tail, is the largest bird you will find at Predator Ridge, with a streching wing span of over two meters. If you hear a scream, don’t be surprised if it’s the “sea eagle,” as their call is a repeated piercing scream, coupled with rapid chirps. Seeing a bald eagle is considered a rare occurrence, as the species is still recovering from DDT, a toxic waste substance, that have created lethal problems for them. Still a work-in-progress, the preservation of these birds is kept by Government fines of $10,000 for hunting, and environmental steps to eliminate DDT. Song Sparrows, will softly serenade you from a deep sleep, with a “tsip” or a “tchump,” their famous warble. Although beautiful, this song is used as a mating call. A male sparrow will chase a female when she first arrives on territory, and as any other male, once he has her, he will back off of the singing and move into courtship. You can’t miss a song sparrow with its whitish and brown streaked chest, dark central dot and long rounded tail.

WESTERN SCREECH OWLS

Western Screech Owls, never fail to amaze an observer, with its bright yellow eyes and dark bill. Found at night, these wise and slow moving “home bodies,” are famous for nesting the same site for over seven years, a stark difference between other birds who nest for only months at a time. Their low-pitched whistles are sure to catch your ear, if you ever get the rare chance of hearing it. For, as it is said, “a wise old owl sat on an oak; the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke the more he heard. Why arent we like that wise old bird?” – Anonymous.

If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in nature, be sure to check out Birdie Lake and/or the numerous other hiking trails and locations here at Predator Ridge Resort. Just a 10 minute walk from the Clubhouse will take you into an entire different world.